Detachable Game Controller Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information handling systems for gaming have limited input device capabilities and are inconvenient to use in mobile situations, with integrated input devices being fragile and not easily adaptable for non-gaming tasks.

Innovation Solution

A detachable game controller system that attaches to a portable information handling system for direct input and can convert to a standalone configuration with a bridge for wireless communication, providing robust input devices and flexibility in gaming and non-gaming tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated input devices are used in portable information handling systems, then the system maintains compact form factor, but the input device capabilities are limited and fragile for gaming applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput device capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the information handling system from the game controller into two independent components. The controller can be detached and used separately or with different IHS units, allowing specialized gaming input capabilities without permanently increasing the complexity of the portable system itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The game controller is designed to interface with multiple different information handling system units through universal connection protocols (Bluetooth, USB). This allows a single controller to work across different devices, providing adaptability without requiring each system to be customized for specific input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate peripheral input devices are carried for mobile gaming, then input device capabilities are improved, but convenience is reduced due to carrying and setup time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaming input capabilitiesVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the portable information handling system with the game controller into a unified handheld gaming configuration. The controller attaches directly to the IHS, combining computing power with gaming inputs in a single portable unit that requires no separate carrying or setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If specialized mobile gaming systems with integrated controllers are used, then portability is improved, but input device robustness and comfort are reduced for extended gaming sessions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidinput device durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the fragile integrated controller from the main processing unit by using an externally attached controller. This allows the IHS to remain compact and portable while the controller can be designed with robust inputs suitable for extended gaming sessions and replaced if damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If detachable game controller is used, then adaptability and robustness are improved, but device complexity increases due to attachment and communication interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidattachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical attachment mechanisms with wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, USB). The controller communicates with the information handling system through software-based interfaces rather than physical connectors, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11260288B2Disassemblable information handling system game controller

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A game controller has first and second controller housings having an attachment guide structure that detachably couples to an attachment tab structure disposed on opposing sides of an information handling system and a bridge. Input devices of the controller housing communicate directly with the information handling system through opposing pins and pads disposed in the attachment features or indirectly by communicating with the bridge through opposing pins and pads so the bridge communicates with the information handling system. The attachment guide structure has opposing lips with plural slots that pass tabs of the attachment tab structure through so that a sliding motion engages the tabs behind the lips. Magnets of opposing polarity repel attachment attempts when a game controller attempts to attach to an opposite side of an information handling system or bridge housing from that which the game controller is intended to attach, such as a left side controller attached to a right side of a bridge or information handling system.